Former Scottsdale city manager opts not to run for council

Former Scottsdale City Manager John Little has decided not to run for Scottsdale City Council this year.

“(T)his decision did not come easily and is deeply personal,” Little said in a news release Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Little’s exploratory-campaign spokeswoman, Claren Scott, said Little’s son died in 2013, which played a large role in his decision not to seek office.

Little had formed an exploratory committee in June to test the waters for a possible run in Scottsdale’s 2014 elections.

Scott said the last six months “clearly affirmed the community” would have given Little “the necessary support to be a leading candidate for council.”

“John’s ‘Q’ ratings - favorable impressions and name recognition - were very high,” she said.

The seats of Council members Bob Littlefield, Linda Milhaven and Dennis Robbins expire in early 2015. Scottsdale will ask voters to fill their seats in a primary election Aug. 26 and a general election Nov. 4.

In the statement, Little said, “I will continue to provide energy and ideas on important community issues and be an outspoken advocate for stronger leadership and a more unified Scottsdale.”

Little is a strategic business adviser and community volunteer, it said.

“Accordingly, I intend to watch closely the results of the 2014 elections, both state and local, and make any decisions regarding future public service based on the needs of my family and community,” Little said.

To be on the primary ballot, candidates have to file nomination papers and other forms with the city clerk by 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 28.

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